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4w ago

Xcel Tightens Powerline Safety in Colorado as Fire Risk Rises, Flags Possible PSPS in Eastern New Mexico

The company projects longer restorations under enhanced settings without planning a Colorado shutoff.

SUPERIOR, CO - DECEMBER 15: An overturned truck pushed high power lines over along Highway 93 as high winds created havoc along the front range on December 15, 2021 in Superior, Colorado. More than 57,000 customers around metro Denver were without power Wednesday afternoon as winds gusting 90 mph and higher swept across the Front Range. Xcel Energy reported over 600 outages affecting more than 57,600 customers around Denver. Statewide, there were 778 outage orders affecting 62,037 Xcel customers. Colorado Springs Utilities reported 20,000 customers impacted by electric outages at about 1 p.m. and Black Hills Energy reported power outages in the Pueblo, Rocky Ford and Cañon City areas because of severe winds throughout the region. The National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder reported gusts up to 91 mph just after 10 a.m., with winds clocked between 50 mph and 71 mph elsewhere in the foothills. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
A flock of birds passes over large transmission lines can be seen going to the horizon that are all part of the Power Pathway project just south of Brush, Colorado on Jan. 8, 2025. Workers with GRD Construction are putting in the structures, cables, and lines that are part of Xcel's Colorado Power Pathway, a $1.7B electric transmission project. The project is slated to take three years to complete. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
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Overview

  • Xcel said it will run Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings across eastern Colorado this week, increasing sensitivity so lines cut power when a hazard is detected.
  • The utility said a Public Safety Power Shutoff is not expected in Colorado after consulting the National Weather Service, though wind-driven outages remain possible.
  • Xcel warned that a targeted PSPS may be necessary in parts of eastern New Mexico on Tuesday, Feb. 17, with crews and equipment staged for rapid response.
  • The National Weather Service forecast calls for a prolonged stretch of critical fire weather on the Front Range and eastern plains, with humidity near 10–12% and wind gusts up to 60–65 mph.
  • Outages under the enhanced settings may last longer because crews must visually inspect and repair lines before restoration, and recent shutoffs have already pushed residents and businesses to invest in backup power.